In the heart of the Belu Regency, a pioneering vocational initiative is proving that the secret to economic resilience lies in the traditional flavors of East Nusa Tenggara’s own soil.
By Veritas Indonesia Reporter
ATAMBUA, NTT-Veritas Indonesia. The culinary landscape of East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) received a significant boost this week with the inauguration of “Flobamorata Kitchen” at the Kusuma Catholic Vocational School (SMKS) in Atambua. More than just a school facility, the kitchen serves as a vibrant marketplace and production hub designed to elevate local ingredients into high-value culinary products.
The facility was officially opened by the Governor of East Nusa Tenggara, Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena, alongside the Regent of Belu, Willybrodus Lay. The event, held at the school’s production unit in Tulamalae Village, was marked by traditional dances and a warm reception from the Missionary Sisters, Servants of the Holy Spirit (SSpS), the congregation that has steered the institution since its founding in 1976.
In an effort to ensure the sustainability of the initiative, Governor Laka Lena issued a direct mandate to provincial civil servants. “I am instructing all provincial employees on duty in Belu to dine here at least once a week,” the Governor stated. “This ensures the kitchen remains a living laboratory where the students’ work finds a real market.”
Demonstrating his commitment to supporting local industry, the Governor and his entourage spent Rp 1 million on various student-made crafts and food items, emphasizing that officials must set an example by purchasing local products rather than accepting them as gifts. “We must appreciate the labor of these students appropriately,” he added.
Flobamorata Kitchen showcases the ingenuity of SMKS Katolik Kusuma students, who transform native staples like corn, bananas, and tubers into a sophisticated menu ranging from traditional main courses to modern desserts.
Sr. Agustina Bete Kiik, SSpS, the school’s principal, noted that the initiative aligns with the school’s long-standing mission of preparing students for the workforce. With over 800 students and a dedicated faculty of 40, the school offers specialized programs in hospitality, culinary arts, fashion design, and nursing assistance.
“This is about more than cooking; it is about business skills and cultural preservation,” said Sr. Agustina. The Governor echoed this sentiment, expressing his hope that every vocational school in the region would establish similar business units to showcase the unique potential of their respective districts.
As SMKS Katolik Kusuma Atambua continues to grow, Flobamorata Kitchen stands as a model for how educational institutions can lead the charge in promoting local wisdom while equipping the youth with the tools to compete in Indonesia’s burgeoning tourism and creative economies.
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